PTSD Recovery, Personality Disorders, and Mood Management

Understanding neurochemistry, clinical symptoms, and interpersonal strategies is vital for managing PTSD, narcissism, and various mood disorders.

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Effects of Serotonin on Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by extreme mood and behavior changes. Many people with bipolar disorder cycle through extreme highs, called mania, and lows, called depression, and sometimes manic and depressive symptoms occur simultaneously.

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Aderall for Depression

“Down in the dumps” doesn’t touch the level of misery some experience when they’re depressed. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the NIMH, major depression is the leading cause of disability in the United States in people ages 15 to 44.

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Signs of Autism in a Three-Year-Old

Autism spectrum disorders -- ASDs -- are a group of developmental disorders that begin in childhood. Symptoms range from mild to severe. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ASD affects 1 out of every 88 children in the United States.

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How to Motivate Someone Who Has Depression

Depression in a friend or family member can be a tricky situation to contend with, since it often leads to social withdrawal. Your depressed loved one will likely avoid activities she previously enjoyed. She'll lack the energy to do much of anything. She might not be sleeping well.

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The Best Careers for PTSD Patients

Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is an anxiety disorder that can develop after experiencing a traumatic event. Signs of PTSD include having unwanted, vivid recollections of the event and difficulty remaining calm. You may be irritable, have trouble sleeping, and constantly be watching or listening for danger.

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Symptoms When Stopping Lexapro

Lexapro is the trade name for the medication escitalopram. Lexapro is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Lexapro works by increasing the overall availability of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Lexapro was approved by the U.S.

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Signs of Depression After the Loss of a Parent

Losing a parent, no matter your age, can be heartbreaking, traumatizing and overwhelming. Everyone deals with the loss of a loved one differently and experiences different emotions. At one moment a person who has lost a parent might be angry and irritable, and the next moment be sobbing and sad.

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What Are the Early Symptoms of Schizophrenia?

The National Institute of Mental Health reports that 2.4 million adults in America suffer from schizophrenia, a group of severe brain disorders in which people abnormally interpret reality.

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Common Types of Delusions in Schizophrenia

Delusions are misguided beliefs that have no basis in reality, and people with schizophrenia often suffer from delusions as a symptom of their disease. Their disorganized thinking and impaired ability to interpret new information often lead them to false perceptions.

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Magnesium as Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

Magnesium is an important mineral that is involved in many bodily functions. One of the main functions of magnesium is to regulate nerves and muscles. Magnesium is also purported to alleviate some symptoms of bipolar disorder. Dark leafy green vegetables and whole grains are good sources of magnesium.

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The Effects of Dopamine on the Brain

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter synthesized by your body from the dietary intake of an amino acid called tyrosine, found in protein-rich foods such as meats and cheeses.

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Reasons Adderall Is Prescribed

Adderall is the brand name for a prescription drug consisting of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. The medication stimulates the central nervous system to change the way the chemicals and nerves in the brain function with regard to hyperactivity and impulse control, as indicated by Drugs.com.

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What Vitamins Can You Not Take With Anti-Depressants?

Possible interactions between antidepressants and some vitamins dictate that you should be careful of taking any supplemental vitamins when undergoing treatment with anti-depressant medications because you may negate the action of the antidepressant.

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Magnesium Dosage for Depression

Magnesium is an essential mineral that's necessary for good health, including proper mental functioning. Although some research links magnesium deficiency to depression, there is no established recommended magnesium dosage for depression treatment.

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Long-Term Effects of Untreated Depression

Depression is a serious condition that affects millions of Americans. Many people believe that depression is "all in your head" and that it can be controlled without the attention of a physician. However, depression is caused by a disruption of chemicals in the brain, most notably serotonin.

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Dopamine vs. Serotonin

If you have you ever been addicted to a behavior, such as shopping or gambling, you've lacked focus or motivation to complete a task, or you've suffered from depression, brain chemicals may be the cause. At the center of these complex behaviors are two powerful neurotransmitters, dopamine and serotonin.

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Effects of Ritalin Withdrawal

Ritalin, generically known as methylphenidate, is a prescription medication used to control symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. This drug is a central nervous system stimulant that works by modifying the amounts of natural substances in the brain.

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Group Activities for Autism

Cooperative games are an ideal way for autistic children to practice social skills in a fun, non-threatening environment. Cooperative group activities are most effective in teaching social skills when the activity is based on the children's preferred themes.

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Niacin & Anxiety

Emotional and physical stress often leads to feelings of anxiety. Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress in moderation. However, for some people, anxiety becomes excessive, difficult to control and negatively impacts day-to-day living.

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